Brighton to Dover before 9:30

[evil_hippo]

I have the predicament of having to leave Brighton for Dover before 9:30 to make a ferry from Dover to Calais. It's essential I take the train I do at 8:32, and I can't delay an hour.

My exact travel plans are as follows:

17th June: Leeds to London (already booked) and London to Brighton (off-peak)
18th June: Brighton to Dover (departing 8:32).
Then ferry to France and French regional rail to various obscure places.
30th June: Dover to Brighton (off-peak).
1st July: Brighton to London (off-peak) and London to Leeds (already booked).

The only fare shown as available on the 8:32 is an extremely expensive open single, at £17.75, considerably more expensive than the off-peak return at £13.20, especially as I would need to also buy an £11.30 single on the way back as well, adding up to £29.05.

It is notable that the train leaves St. Leonards at 9:30, making off-peak tickets valid thereon.

So this is where I would appreciate your help, as I'm not at all an expert on fares in the South of England: Is there a cheaper way to catch this train?

Ways that might help do this would include:

- Splitting tickets at St. Leonards or stations nearby.
- Booking through from London to St. Leonards via Brighton (I believe this is a valid route) using a ticket that is valid multiple days on the outward portion, or that allows an overnight break in Brighton within the overnight break rules, resuming at 8:32.
- Splitting at another station where pricing anomalies may help find a cheaper fares.
- Buying a ticket for a longer journey, that does have a return ticket, and starting/stopping short.

I will be extremely grateful for any help you can provide.

Cheers,

Zoltán.

 

[yorkie]

Shame you aren't coming from Belfast as if you were it'd be £64.70 for the whole lot, via Leeds, London & Brighton to Dover and back. (assuming that Brighton is on a permitted route between Stranraer and Dover - that would need checking) valid on any train whatsoever.

Anyway the best ticket for you is probably a Brighton (BTN) to Dover Off Peak @ £13.20 + BTN to St Leonards (SLQ) @ £7.40.

By the time the train reaches SLQ, the time is 0930 and the Off Peak becomes valid.

As far as I can determine a ticket from BTN can be used 'short' from SLQ. The ticket does not bar break of journey so they can't use that argument.

This brings the price down to approx £20.

 

[glynn80]

As far as I can determine a ticket from BTN can be used 'short' from SLQ. The ticket does not bar break of journey so they can't use that argument.

The restriction code is 4B, this does not restrict break of journey on either portion and thus the ticket can be started short at SLQ.

 

[yorkie]

Note that the above assumes you're travelling in July/August, otherwise you will be badly stung by minimum fares, if that is the case let me know as I have another plan.

 

[evil_hippo]

Note that the above assumes you're travelling in July/August, otherwise you will be badly stung by minimum fares, if that is the case let me know as I have another plan.

It's in June, i'm afraid! So what is your other plan?

 

[John @ home]

It may help you that there is a Standard Day Return (SDR) from St Leonards Warrior Square to Calais route Stena P&O price £20. No corresponding single fare, no period return, no railcard discount, and no fare in the UK fares system in the opposite direction (although SNCF may offer one).

John

 

[paul1609]

I think you might be falling in to the northerners trap of thinking that the whole of southern england is a suburb of London wheras in fact Brighton to Dover by rail is pushing 100 miles. in the context of peak fares down here £17 for 100 miles is a bargain!